We are each unique and special and an autism diagnosis does not change this. The stories featured on this page have been provided by autistic adults and children and their families who have chosen to contribute. They explain how their life experiences are different but also, in many ways the same and as individual as yours and mine.
Each person living with autism has to find a way of managing their personal characteristics but these stories tell how simple adaptations and learning of new techniques lead to a rich and fulfilling life.
On: 14/02/22 8 minutes
"Autism in itself is not a negative, it is people’s lack of understanding and a lack of support that makes its impact so potentially damaging....
On: 23/02/22 5 minutes
Meet Michael – an animal-loving Futures learner at Autism Unlimited, with a diagnosis of autism and ADHD. Futures is a learning programme that...
On: 23/02/22 5 minutes
Robert is a facilities administrator who has worked at Autism Unlimited for the past 8 and a half years. He was diagnosed with autism as a teenager....
On: 23/02/22 5 minutes
Dela is an area manager at Autism Unlimited, overseeing support to a number of individuals in the autistic community. Having worked in the health and social...
On: 23/02/22 8 minutes
‘Autism is a slightly different way of the brain functioning. I don’t think it means that you’re really any different to anyone else,...
On: 28/02/22 4 minutes
Kai is a dedicated army cadet and sixth form student at Portfield School, sharing his thoughts on his autism. He has mixed views on autism, noting...
On: 28/02/22 4 minutes
Introducing Tyler - a sixth form student at Portfield School who shares his experiences with autism. Receiving an autism diagnosis can be a moment...
On: 28/04/22 8 minutes
Stewart is one of the assistant headteachers at Portfield School, with 20 years of teaching experience across a range of different schools. He shares his...
On: 20/04/22 15 minutes
Diagnosed three years ago at the age of 53, Patrick now works as a specialist mentor for an autism charity in addition to mentoring undergraduate students...
On: 20/04/22 15 minutes
Luke is a governor at Portfield School, a carer to his mum, and works at a National Trust café. In addition to caring for his mum, who is physically...
On: 01/02/22 5 minutes
Fenton is a 16 year old student at Portfield School, with an autism diagnosis and a talent for the performing arts. Diagnosed on his 3rd birthday,...
On: 26/05/22 2 minutes
Pepper, Cayden, and Max are students at Portfield School. Here, they share an insight into their autism, hobbies, and experiences. Pepper enjoys hanging...
On: 01/02/22 4 minutes
Oliver is a 15 year old student at Portfield School with an autism diagnosis, dyspraxia and hypermobility. Discussing autism, he says, ‘Autism...
On: 20/04/22 3 minutes
Nevaeh is a talented 12-year-old singer, and newly appointed child ambassador for Autism Unlimited, who produced a magical performance at the launch of...
On: 03/03/22 4 minutes
Deborah is an artist-in-residence at Portfield School, inspiring students to explore their creative side. While officially diagnosed at 41, she knew...
On: 23/03/22 3 minutes
Maddie has been a student at Portfield School for the past 5 years. Alongside her autism, she has Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), which makes daily...
On: 13/04/22 3 minutes
Art allows a lot of people to express themselves in their own way, nurturing creativity, innovation and dialogue. It is commonly used as a therapeutic...
On: 21/01/22 3 minutes
Sarah has been an ISL at Portfield School for the past 15 years, working closely with both the younger children and the sixth formers. She has been...